Select board candidate says turbines could have been better sited

FAIRHAVEN — Geoffrey Haworth, who is challenging incumbent Brian Bowcock in the selectmen's race, said last week that, in retrospect, the wind turbines could have been better sited.

Mr. Haworth, who stepped down as chairman of the Board of Public Works when he decided to run for selectman, said while he favors green energy projects like the solar panels on Department of Public Works buildings and the anaerobic digester, he didn't realize, "The residents would be so affected (by the wind turbines) until I saw the sheer size of them."

He added, "I do think they could have been better placed."

Mr. Haworth said when he was driving down Route 6 last Friday morning, he saw the flicker effect from the turbines on the Walgreens building. He said he hasn't heard any complaints about them from DPW staff, however. The turbines are close to the DPW building at 5 Arsene St.

Asked what he thinks about the Department of Revenue recommendation to abolish the BPW, Mr. Haworth said, "Honestly, I see both sides of it. There are some pro's and con's in every situation."

Overall, he said there are merits to the DOR's recommendations and that they need more looking into. The DOR made 34 recommendations involving many town government functions.

Mr. Haworth said he understands the rationale for abolishing the BPW and changing the executive secretary position to a town administrator or town manager.

He said there can been "a smoother operation if one person oversees the entire town."

Mr. Haworth said his primary concern with abolishing the BPW is the loss of constituent service. He said now residents can come to BPW meetings or talk to members individually about a problem with a water bill or pot hole.

In the case of a pot hole in front of someone's driveway, he said, a BPW member can call the DPW and ask for it to be cold patched.

Mr. Haworth pointed out that BPW members aren't paid as are selectmen and members of the Board of Health, so the constituent service doesn't cost taxpayers anything.

On other issues, Mr. Haworth promised if elected to the Board of Selectmen that he will push for a more open government and that he will be "listening to people." He said he's never told someone from the public they can't talk at a BPW meeting.

Mr. Haworth said the town could provide more and better constituent services, which he said are sometimes "lacking."

He said he has some ideas for how to deal with proposals for wind turbines in the future, but wanted to reserve those comments for the candidates' forums.